Changing the kitchen layout or rearranging furniture often dictates new requirements for the location of household appliances. If you purchased a model with a right-hand opening, but the left-hand one would look more convenient in your niche, then there is only one solution to the problem - reinstalling the hinges. Owners of equipment Stinol often face this task, since the brand has been popular for a long time and is still actively used in many homes.
This process is technically simple, but requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage facade part or internal mechanisms. Incorrect installation can lead to misalignment, due to which the sash will no longer fit tightly to the body, and the seal will begin to leak warm air. This, in turn, will force the compressor to wear out, increasing energy consumption.
In this article we will analyze in detail how to hang the door of a Stinol refrigerator, taking into account the design features of various series of this brand. We will consider the nuances of dismantling, the procedure for operating electronics and mechanics, and also point out critical points that are often overlooked by inexperienced craftsmen. A competent approach will allow you to complete the work efficiently and safely.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the body of the refrigeration unit, it is necessary to prepare the space. Working with large equipment requires freedom of movement, so make sure there is enough space around the device to walk around on all sides. Disconnect the device from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket and let it stand for at least 15-20 minutes so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase if it has just been running.
To perform the work, you will need a basic set of tools, which is usually in the arsenal of a home craftsman. The main tool will be screwdriver or a set of screwdrivers with different tips (phillips and flat). It would also be a good idea to have a wrench on hand, the size of which corresponds to the hinge fastening bolts, and pliers.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (phillips, flat, possibly Torx)
- 🔩 Wrench or socket for 8-10 mm
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
- 📏 Level or construction angle for checking distortions
Pay special attention to preparing the surface on which the removed element will be temporarily installed. Place thick cardboard, a blanket or soft cloth on the floor to avoid scratching the decorative covering of the door when dismantling it. It is also recommended to cover the floor in the work area, since when unscrewing the bolts, small parts may fall and get lost in the carpet pile or floor cracks.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to empty the door shelves of food and bottles. Even a small weight of the contents can shift the center of gravity and complicate the removal process, and spilled oil or broken glass will create a dangerous situation.
Design features of Stinol models
Refrigerators Stinol, produced in different years, may have different door fastening designs. In most cases, the classic scheme with an upper and lower hinge is used, however, the location of fasteners and the presence of additional parts may vary depending on the series. For example, in models with a system No Frost there are often additional air ducts that require caution when dismantling.
It is important to consider that some models are equipped with an electronic display or control buttons located on the facade. In such cases, the procedure is complicated by the need to disconnect the wire loops. If your model does not have electronics on the door, the task is greatly simplified, since you do not need to worry about the integrity of the wiring.
It is also worth paying attention to the type of handles. In some models they can be integrated into the body, in others they can be screwed separately. If the handle interferes with access to the bottom hinge mounting bolts, it may need to be removed first. Study the design carefully before applying force.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling the upper door
You should always start the reinstallation process from the top of the unit. First, remove the decorative cap from the top hinge, if present. Usually it is pryed off with a flat screwdriver or simply removed by hand. Under it you will find fastening bolts that need to be unscrewed.
After loosening the fasteners, the upper door must be held, since it no longer holds anything. It is better to perform this operation together: one person holds the heavy element, and the second finally unscrews the bolts and removes the hinge. Carefully remove the top door and set it aside in a safe place, first placing it on a prepared soft surface.
If there is a shelf or decorative element installed on the top door that interferes with further work, remove it now. In models with a freezer on top, this part is the first to be removed, freeing up access to the middle part of the body, if we are talking about three-chamber models or units of great height.
☑️ Removing the top sash
Inspect the removed hinge. Often rubber seals or bushings remain on it. Be careful not to lose them as they will be needed when installing on the other side. If there are traces of corrosion or contamination on the hinge, it is better to clean them before reinstallation to ensure smooth movement of the door in the future.
Removing the middle and lower parts
After removing the upper door, access to the middle hinge (if the model is two-chamber) or directly to the lower part opens. In two-chamber refrigerators Stinol the middle hinge is often combined with the axis on which the upper chamber rests. It also needs to be unscrewed.
After removing the middle hinge, carefully lift and remove the bottom door (freezer compartment). Proceed with caution as this part often contains a snap mechanism or magnetic seal that may require force to remove, but should be avoided. Place the door on the prepared place.
Now you need to remove the lower support hinge. It is attached to the refrigerator body with bolts. After removing it, you will have the entire set of loops on your hands, which will need to be rearranged to the opposite side. In some models, along with the hinges, the axle pins on which the door is hung are also removed.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the lower hinge, check the condition of the adjusting screws. If they are rusty or hard to move, treat them with a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40) in advance so as not to strip the threads when you try to unscrew them.
An important step is to rearrange the handles. If the design of your model requires rearranging the handles, remove them from one side of the door and install them on the other using the holes provided by the manufacturer. Often, the same fasteners are used for this, simply screwed on the reverse side.
Installing hinges on the new side
When all the elements are dismantled, we proceed to installation on the opposite side. The refrigerator body Stinol initially has technological holes on both sides. Those holes that were used are closed with plastic plugs, which must be removed and moved to the free side.
Start by installing the lower support loop. Insert it into the designated holes on the new side and tighten the bolts. Do not tighten them all the way straight away to allow for (fine adjustment) of the position. Install the lower door onto the axis of the lower hinge.
Next, install the middle hinge (for two-chamber models). Thread the axle through the hole in the bottom door and secure the hinge to the body. Then the upper door is hung. Make sure that all axes fit into the corresponding bushings on the doors.
| Work stage | Action | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Removing the plugs | Do not lose small plastic parts |
| Bottom installation | Attaching the bottom hinge | Check the horizontal level |
| Mounting the top | Installing the top hinge | The door must be closed when tightening |
| Finish | Adjustment | Checking the tight fit of the seal |
After hanging all the doors, check their movement. They should open and close freely, without jamming or creaking. If the door touches the body or the seal does not fit tightly around the entire perimeter, you will need to adjust the height of the refrigerator legs or the position of the hinges.
What to do if the door does not close tightly?
If after reinstallation you notice that the door does not fit tightly, check to see if the seal is twisted in the grooves. It is also possible that the floor on which the refrigerator sits is sloped. In this case, it is necessary to unscrew the front adjusting legs to give the body a slight tilt back - this will help the door close under the influence of gravity.
Working with electronics and sensors
Refrigerator models Stinolequipped with electronic controls located on the door deserve special attention. In such devices, when rehanging, it is necessary to disconnect the cables running from the case to the control panel.
Usually the connectors are located in the upper part, next to the loop. Before disconnecting, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged. Carefully disconnect the chips, being careful not to pull the wires. When assembling on the new side, make sure that the wires are long enough to connect and are not pinched by the loop mechanism.
In some cases, it may be necessary to rearrange the control module itself or change the configuration of the wires inside the case if the factory length of the cables does not allow you to simply throw them to the other side. In such situations, it is better to refer to the technical documentation of the specific model.
⚠️ Attention: If you are not confident in your skills in working with electrical circuits, it is better not to take risks. Incorrect connection of the cable can damage the control unit refrigerator, the repair of which will cost much more than calling a technician.
Adjustment and check of installation quality
The final stage is a thorough check and adjustment. Close the door and evaluate the gap between the seal and the body around the entire perimeter. It should be uniform. If the door does not fit tightly at the top or bottom, you can slightly loosen the hinge mounting bolts and slightly move the door, then tighten the bolts again.
Check the operation of the magnetic latches and the tightness. To do this, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet with a door and try to pull it out. If the sheet is pulled out with force along the entire perimeter, then the seal is good. If in some place the sheet slides out freely, adjustment is required.
Also make sure that when the door is opened to a certain angle, it does not slam back on its own (if this is not provided for by the design) and does not require excessive force to close. A correctly installed door should operate silently and smoothly.
After completing the work, turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for several hours without loading food to make sure it is stable and there are no problems with the seal of the chamber.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you need to completely defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
Full defrosting is not strictly necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the refrigerator or food that could fall out when tilted (which sometimes happens when removing doors), it is better to defrost it in advance. This will also lighten the weight of the structure.
Is it possible to hang the door by one person?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Refrigerator doors, especially double-chamber ones, are heavy and bulky. Without an assistant, there is a high risk of dropping the door, damaging the floor, legs or the equipment itself. Involve a second person for backup.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
If the plastic plugs are lost, the holes can be sealed with decorative film in the color of the case or use plugs from another, less noticeable part of the case, if they are the right size. You can also order them at a service center or pick up universal fittings in a store.
Why did the door begin to open on its own after rehanging?
Most likely, the angle of the body is broken. The door should open itself only when the opening angle is more than 90 degrees (depending on the model). If it opens at a lower angle, then the front of the refrigerator is too raised. Try to tighten the front adjusting feet, lowering the front part a little lower.